Law and Legal Studies Major
“I … do solemnly swear that I will support and defend the Constitution of The United States ….”
Opening words of the U.S. Army Officer Commissioning Oath
The Department of Law welcomes cadets who are interested in a rigorous program in undergraduate legal studies,
and offers the Law and Legal Studies major.
Law has long been a proper subject of study by educated men and women in many fields and professions, not just
lawyers. Writers in virtually every age and culture have addressed the nature of law and its significance to their societies.
This is especially so in our own country, which is founded on the principle of the rule of law.
Our legal studies program supports the Academy’s academic goal of educating cadets to be leaders of character in
a rapidly changing and often ambiguous world. The study of law requires knowledge of history and culture, the ability to
deal with complex moral and ethical issues, clear and concise communication skills, and an understanding of how
individuals, organizations, and societies pursue goals. We do not seek to provide cadets with a body of legal knowledge
or to train them to become lawyers: this is not a pre-law program. Rather, it is designed to educate cadets to think
critically and analyze effectively complex social, technological, political, economic, and moral problems that are
contained within the framework of law.
The Department is a founding member of the Consortium of Undergraduate Law and Justice Programs. Formed
in 2003, the Consortium is an organization for colleges and universities that have interdisciplinary programs geared
toward undergraduate education about law and justice in the United States and internationally. It seeks to help its
members improve their programs to serve better the educational needs of their students. Likewise, the Department of Law
continually seeks ways to enhance the educational experience of our legal studies majors so that they may be better
prepared to serve as self-aware, adaptive, and highly capable leaders for the Army and the Nation.
David A. Wallace
Colonel, JA
Professor and Head
Department of Law
Department of Law AIAD Opportunities
Office of General Counsel Legal Intern
DOJ: FBI Academy
Washington, DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA
Quantico, VIRGINIA
Congressional Intern
Washington, D.C., DISTRICT OF
COLUMBIA
NYPD Headquarters
New York City, NEW YORK
The War Crimes Staff Ride
U.S. Supreme Court Legal Intern.
Sarajevo, Bosnia and Herzegovina
Washington, DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA
Legal Intern at District Attorney's
Offices
Across U.S., United States
Secret Service
Washington, D.C., DISTRICT OF
COLUMBIA
The Army Chief of Staff Executive
Strategy Group
Washington, DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA
Military Paralympics
Department of State - Berlin office
Colorado Springs, COLORADO
Berlin, Germany
NSA AIAD
Fort Meade, MARYLAND
Latham & Watkins Internship
New York, NEW YORK
The Judge Advocate General's Office
Intern
Washington D.C., DISTRICT OF
COLUMBIA
Civil Rights Staff Ride
Washington D.C., DISTRICT OF
COLUMBIA
Marsh & McLennan Corporate AIAD
New York CIty, NEW YORK
PACOM Legal Internship
Camp H.M. Smith, HAWAII
European Staff Judge Advocate
Internship
Stuttgart, Germany
Special Victims Criminal Investigation
Unit
Fort Worth, TEXAS
U.S. District Court Intern
New York City, NEW YORK
World Bank Internship
Washington, D.C., DISTRICT OF
COLUMBIA
New York City District Attorney Legal
Intern
New York, NEW YORK
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2017 Law and Legal Studies Major
Subject Area
IT Course
Choose 1 of 2
Description
IT305
THEORY & PRAC OF MIL IT SYS
IT355
ADV THEORY OF MIL IT SYS
AND
Required Courses Must take all 4 of 4
LW310
LW474
LW495
LX300
AND
Elective
INTRO TO LEGAL STUDIES
LAW OF WAR
JURISPRUDENCE AND LEGAL THEORY
3RD SEMESTER FOREIGN LANG
LW410
LW472
LW473
LW475
LW481
LW488
LW490
COMPARATIVE LEGAL SYSTEMS
CRIMINAL LAW
ENVIRONMENTAL LAW
ADV CONSTITUTIONAL LAW SEMINAR
INTERNATIONAL LAW
BUSINESS LAW
SPECIAL TOPICS
Choose 4 of 7
Choose 2 of the following electives:
EV365
EV371
EV372
EV373
EV375
EV376
HI344
HI372
HI391
MG390
SS366
SS381
SS385
SS386
SS465
GEOGRAPHY OF GLOBAL CULTURES
GEOGRAPHY OF RUSSIA
GEOGRAPHY OF ASIA
GEOGRAPHY OF LATIN AMERICA
GEOGRAPHY OF AFRICA
GEOGRAPHY OF MIDDLE EAST
MODERN DIPLOMACY
U.S. FOREIGN RELATIONS SINCE 1898
WORLD RELIGIONS
NEGOTIATIONS FOR LEADERS
COMPARATIVE POLITICS
POLITICAL AND CULTURAL ANTHROPOLOGY
COMPARATIVE ECONOMIC SYSTEMS
POLITICAL THOUGHTS AND IDEAS
TERRORISM: NEW CHALLENGES
3
SS466
SS473
SS483
SS486
XH467
LXxxx
ADVANCED TERRORISM STUDIES
AMERICAN FOREIGN POLICY
NATIONAL SECURITY SEMINAR
INTERNATIONAL SECURITY SEMINAR
WINNING THE PEACE
Completion of a 4th semester of a foreign language
EP359
EP363
HI390
HI394
LOGICAL REASONING
POLITICAL PHILOSOPHY
EARLY NATIONAL AMERICA
REVOLUTIONARY AMERICA
HI395
HI396
HI398
PL372
PL377
PL393
HISTORY OF CIVIL WAR AMERICA
MAKING OF MODERN AMERICA
SOCIETY & CULTURE IN AMER. HIST.
SOCIOLOGY OF THE FAMILY
SOCIAL INEQUALITY
CRIMINOLOGY
SS373
SS379
AMERICAN PRESIDENCY
LEGISLATIVE POLITICS
SS464
SS472
SS480
HOMELAND SECURITY
THE AMERICAN STATE & THE SOLDIER
ADVANCED AMER. POLITICS, POLICY, STRATEGY
*Cadets majoring in Law and Legal Studies who are interested in taking a fourth semester of a foreign language have the
option to use one of their two electives offered outside the Department of Law on a foreign language course.
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2017 Law and Legal Studies Major w/ Honors Curriculum
Subject Area
Required Courses
Description
Choose 2 of 2
LW498
THESIS I: PROPOSAL & RESEARCH
LW499
THESIS II: PAPER & DEFENSE
AND
Grade Requirements
Complete the requirements of the major as shown above attain an APSC of at least 3.0 in the core curriculum and an
APSC of at least 3.5 in the major, and an average of at least 3.33 in LW498 and LW499.
Student Outcomes
1) Knowledge of basic legal concepts and principles (Understand how individuals and organizations use and react
to law in pursuit of social, political, and economic goals).
2) Effective communication (Communicate in correct and appropriate legal language when writing and speaking to
evince clear and critical thinking).
3) Critical thinking (Identify the relationship between legal, ethical, and moral-issues, and apply the law properly in
decision-making).
4) Knowledge of basic legal concepts and principles (Know how law affects and reflects diverse groups within
American society to shape behavior, achievement, and ideas).
5) Knowledge of basic legal concepts and principles (Know how law is understood and applied in diverse global
societies and cultures).
6) Critical thinking (Think and act logically and creatively when acting within the framework and constraints of
legal requirements).
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LW310 COURSE DETAILS
COURSE
LW310
TITLE
INTRO TO LEGAL STUDIES
Eff. Year
2004
Eff. Term
1
Credit Hours
3.0
SCOPE
This course provides the foundation for studying law. It begins with a study of jurisprudence and legal theory.
Jurisprudence denotes the philosophy of law, an approach that considers the sources and nature of the law and
legal systems and encompasses such themes as natural law and legal positivism. Legal theory looks at law and
legal theory from the perspective of other disciplines, such as sociology and economics. The course will further
explore the nature, function, sources and structure of the prevalent legal systems of the world. Cadets will use
these skills to explore systemic methods of legal analysis and apply those methods to the interpretation of cases,
statutes, regulations and constitutions. Short persuasive paper and two oral arguments.
LESSONS: 40 @ 55 min. (2.500 Att/wk) LABS: 0 @ 0 min.
SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS: Persuasive paper and oral arguments.
LW410 COURSE DETAILS
COURSE
LW410
TITLE
COMPARATIVE LEGAL
SYSTEMS
Eff. Year
2004
Eff. Term
1
Credit Hours
3.0
SCOPE
This course uses a comparative approach to study the major legal systems of the world. After a short
introduction to legal tradition theory, students study the earliest legal tradition, Chthonic law, followed by
Talmudic law, civil law, Islamic law, English common law , Hindu law, Chinese law The traditions studied
are the foundation for the laws and legal systems of most of the world today, including the Americas, Europe,
Africa, the Middle East, and East Asia. Similarities and differences between these systems and the American
legal system are explored. Social, political, and economic factors which distinguish these systems and more
recently have begun to integrate them are covered. Emphasis is placed on the sources of law, the procedures for
resolving legal disputes, and basic principles of civil and criminal justice.
LESSONS: 40 @ 55 min. (2.500 Att/wk) LABS: 0 @ 0 min.
SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS: Individual research paper and three group projects (one is a presentation).
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LW472 COURSE DETAILS
COURSE
LW472
TITLE
CRIMINAL LAW
Eff. Year
2006
Eff. Term
1
Credit Hours
3.0
SCOPE
This course will examine the legal, social, religious, cultural, and political motivations that justice systems use
to characterize certain actions as “criminal.” The course will revolve around the traditional reasons for criminal
law, namely blameworthiness and punishment, and also examine how institutions use criminal law to serve their
narrow interests. This course will introduce theories surrounding criminal law and illustrate how cadets may
apply law immediately in their roles as officers. The course will examine federal and state criminal codes and
also the Uniform Code of Military Justice. From a legal perspective based on the U.S. Constitution and other
criminal codes, some of the topics covered include the death penalty, insanity, corporate crime, conspiracy,
murder, necessity, and self-defense.
LESSONS: 40 @ 55 min. (2.500 Att/wk) LABS: 0 @ 0 min.
SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS: None.
LW473 COURSE DETAILS
COURSE
LW473
TITLE
ENVIRONMENTAL LAW
Eff. Year
2013
Eff. Term
2
Credit Hours
3.0
SCOPE
Environmental law has become an integral part of the legal system in the United States today. This course
provides an introduction to environmental issues and the framework of the major federal environmental statues
(the National Environmental Policy Act, Clean Water Act, Clean Air Act, Endangered Species Act, etc.), and
how the law works in practice. The course also covers environmental issues in the military and the growing
subject of International Environmental Law. This course provides a solid understanding of the legislative,
administrative and judicial system of environmental law today.
LESSONS: 40 @ 55 min. (2.500 Att/wk) LABS: 0 @ 0 min.
SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS: One or more essays, as determined by the course instructor.
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LW474 COURSE DETAILS
COURSE
LW474
TITLE
LAW OF WAR
Eff. Year
2011
Eff. Term
1
Credit Hours
3.0
SCOPE
This course is designed to develop in each student an understanding of basic law of war (LOW), with an
emphasis on issues that might arise on the battlefield at a tactical level. The ethical and historical background of
LOW will be examined, including Geneva Conventions and protocols, and how LOW is enforced on
international and national levels, to include prosecution under the Uniform Code of Military Justice. Illustrative
examples will include the Nuremberg Tribunal, My Lai, and the Gulf War. The emphasis is on the LOW
responsibilities of the junior officer.
LESSONS: 40 @ 55 min. (2.500 Att/wk) LABS: 0 @ 0 min.
SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS: Two research papers of moderate length (approximately five pages each) may
be required. Topics will be determined in consultation with the instructor.
LW475 COURSE DETAILS
COURSE
LW475
TITLE
ADVANCED
CONSTITUTIONAL LAW
SEMINAR
Eff. Year
1980
Eff. Term
1
Credit Hours
3.0
SCOPE
This seminar targets several discreet provisions of the Constitution’s Bill of Rights, such as the Free Speech
clause and the right to keep and bear Arms in the civil context, and the Right of Confrontation and the Cruel and
Unusual Punishment Clause in the criminal context. Cadets gain an in-depth understanding of the role of the
federal courts in developing constitutional law by examining cases in these particular subjects. The seminar
format facilitates active and robust classroom discussion and debate, and stimulates critical thinking about
complex issues of law and policy. The seminar includes a trip section to the Supreme Court to observe an oral
argument and meet with a Supreme Court Justice. The seminar also features several guest-teaching appearances
by sitting federal judges.
LESSONS: 40 @ 55 min. (2.500 Att/wk) LABS: 0 @ 0 min.
SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS: Presentations, oral arguments, and written opinions as required by the
instructor.
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LW481 COURSE DETAILS
COURSE
LW481
TITLE
INTERNATIONAL LAW
Eff. Year
2004
Eff. Term
1
Credit Hours
3.0
SCOPE
The field of international law is one of the most dynamic areas of the law, and its principles are often applied in
addressing the complex security problems facing our nation. The course itself is divided into four major sections:
Introduction to International Law; International Human Rights Law; International Criminal Law; and International
Humanitarian Law. This course will familiarize you with the doctrines which govern the rights and obligations of
states and international organizations, during both times of peace and conflict. This course will integrate some
themes from other courses in the Department of Law and reinforce some fundamental principles you will
confront as you seek to understand the relationship between law, diplomacy, and military operations.
LESSONS: 40 @ 55 min. (2.500 Att/wk) LABS: 0 @ 0 min.
SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS: None.
LW488 COURSE DETAILS
COURSE
LW488
TITLE
BUSINESS LAW
Eff. Year
1978
Eff. Term
1
Credit Hours
3.0
SCOPE
This course introduces cadets to the basics of business and commercial law and prepares cadets as leaders to
identify and achieve resolution of legal issues in everyday business transactions. It surveys the multidimensional nature of the rule of law as it governs commerce. Cadets will develop critical thinking skills by
analyzing fact-based scenarios, evaluate the ethical aspects of business decisions, and assess the impact law has
on political, social, environmental, and technological developments in business. This course employs both case
study and problem-solving methods of instruction.
LESSONS: 40 @ 55 min. (2.500 Att/wk) LABS: 0 @ 0 min.
SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS: None.
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LW490 COURSE DETAILS
COURSE
LW490
TITLE
SPECIAL TOPICS
Eff. Year
1999
Eff. Term
2
Credit Hours
3.0
SCOPE
An in-depth seminar course concentrating on a single area of the law. The course is conducted by the
Department's Visiting Professor or a Law faculty member when the visiting professor is unavailable.
LESSONS: 40 @ 55 min. (2.500 Att/wk) LABS: 0 @ 0 min.
SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS: Potential for one or more essays, as determined by the course instructor, and
dependent on the nature of the Special Topics course.
LW495 COURSE DETAILS
COURSE
LW495
TITLE
JURISPRUDENCE AND
LEGAL THEORY
Eff. Year
2005
Eff. Term
2
Credit Hours
3.0
SCOPE
This course is the capstone for the Law and Legal Studies majors at the Academy. The course is an advanced
seminar in the legal philosophy as applied to contemporary domestic and international issues. The course
integrates legal coursework throughout the curriculum and the Cadet’s respective legal studies major.
LESSONS: 40 @ 55 min. (2.500 Att/wk) LABS: 0 @ 0 min.
SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS: Assessment will be based on student papers, projects, WPRs, and
presentations.
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“A competent knowledge of the laws of one’s country is the proper accomplishment of every … scholar, and is almost an
essential part of a liberal education.”
Sir William Blackstone, lecture on The Study of the Law, delivered at Oxford University, 1758
For information on the Law and Legal Studies Program contact:
LTC Wendy Cox  845-938-5818, Department Academic Counselor (DAC)
Wendy.cox@usma.edu
Department of Law, 4th floor, Building 606
Visit us on the web at:
http://www.dean.usma.edu/law/
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